Few Report Improved Diet, Exercise Amid COVID-19 Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In an effort to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, Americans' normal routines are being increasingly limited by public officials. So far, these restrictions have changed the diets and exercise regimes of Americans more for the worse than the better.

With gyms and parks closed in many places nationwide and Americans being asked to limit contact with others, just under half (48%) of U.S. adults say the amount of exercise they are getting is unchanged so far during the COVID-19 crisis, but 38% say they are getting less and 14% more exercise.

Americans' diets can be affected by a number of sources, including increased stress or boredom, less access to groceries, and changes to takeout and options to eat out. Still, 59% of Americans report that their diets have not changed, but 28% say it has gotten worse, and 13% say it is better.

Women are slightly more likely than men to say that they are getting more exercise, but women are also slightly more likely than men to say their diet has worsened during the crisis.

Majorities of Americans aged 55 and older say their exercise regimen and diet have not changed, while those aged 18-34 are the most likely age group to say their exercise habits have gotten worse, with 49% saying so.

	Gotten better	Not changed	Gotten worse
	%	%	%
The amount of exercise you get
U.S. adults	14	48	38
Men	11	51	38
Women	18	45	38
Age 18-34	17	35	49
Age 35-54	14	48	38
Age 55 and older	13	57	30
Your diet
U.S. adults	13	59	28
Men	12	63	25
Women	15	54	31
Age 18-34	19	47	34
Age 35-54	14	53	33
Age 55 and older	9	70	21
GALLUP PANEL, MARCH 27-29, 2020

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